I finally get to update. Gosh, internet aint so cheap here - here its like a pound an hour. Anyways, its been 28 hours since I have arrived in London and Im loving each bit. It has certainly exceeded my expectations. I was really young when I first visited London, and all I remember was Big Ben and the London Bridge. Now, just walking down the streets of Kensington and Paddington, I realize what a beautiful city it is. I had envisaged traffic congested roads, dark skies, and haze. Instead, I was greeted with nothing short of sunny weather and blue skies. It was still light up till 8pm yesterday! I know it wont last long, so I better enjoy the rest of the summer!

So, I took the tube from Heathrow Airport to Kings Cross on the Picadilly Line. The flat where Im staying is only a short two minutes walk from Kings Cross Station. So convenient! It wasn't as empty as I thought - there is a microwave, fridge, stove, washing machine, TV, mattress ! yea and a piano, lols. Oh that reminds me of the view when I look out of the flat. Have you watched The Pianist? Remember the scene where Adrian Brody looks out the room where he hides out and opposite the road is the hospital. Well, that is the typical architecture around. Really old and antique.

Anyways, so on the first day, I dropped my things at the apartment and headed out. I was feeling quite awake and decided to head to Notting Hill Carnival which is a festival happening over the long weekend. It is certainly the largest street parade I have ever been in. There were crowds of people, lots of Carribean food, loud music and dancing.

Edit (continue):

Ah wells, after the Carnival I headed to do my first bit of grocery shopping at Tescos!Well, it was quite late, so only the Tescos express was open (similar to like Coles express), so the range wasn't very big. But weird enough, they sold Krispy Kreme doughnuts.

On the second day, I woke up at 7am! can you believe it? laura waking up at 7am..lols, im normally up at that time if I had been doing an all nighter. I think it must be jet lag. I took the bus to Oxford Street to check out the shops, and I was astonished at the length of the street. It took me at least an hour to walk down Oxford Street, and I didnt really go inside many shops (I did go into Selfridges which is a huge department store, sort of like David Jones). Oh, Im so happy to find plenty of Marks & Spencer with their yummy gourmet food in the basement, and loads of Pret a Manger which serves delicious sandwiches! The prices are similar to HK. This is the second day in a row I had Pret for lunch. I need to diversify. I was so caught up with the shops on Oxford Stret (oh, passed Bond St Station...!! monopolyyy and Regent Street lols) that I was late to meet Corie and Kenny back at Kings Cross. Two old Island School friends who I havent seen in years (well 2 and 4 years respectively). I also met Corie's friends from the States who were backpacking Europe with her, and Kenny's friend from York. We all headed to the Carnival AGAIN and I couldn't believe the crowds. There were even more people than yesterday. The food was more or less the same, all Carribean food. I had for the first time, Jamaican jerk chicken. it was so good.

Afterwards, we hit ChinaTown and had pearl drinks. I was craving for one since I didnt get one in HK :( Then we went to watch London Theatre. IT was soooooo good. Im addicted to theatre now. We watched Mouse Trap by Agatha Christie which was a murder thriller. I couldn't take a photo inside the theatre to show you the seating, but its really cool. There is like three levels of seating and we sat in the highest. You sit on these red velvet plush cushioned seats, just like the ones you see in the movies. The theatre finished around 10pm and we headed to a Jap restaurant for late dinner. I think all cafes/restaurants here are at least double to triple the prices in Australia. Oh, and petrol prices are definitely two and a half times higher in London (so no complaining in Aus!). Afterwards, we met up with the others at Leicester Square and went to a modern looking bar called Yates for drinks. I like Leicester Square, all around it is lined with restaurants, cafes, bars, cinema, theatre. Very colorful. I hear Covent Gardens is similar, but I have yet to check it out.

So now today is day three. And I woke up at 7am again! I cant believe it. Oh well, I may as well make it a habit, because I have to start the internship this Thursday (1st Sept). The office is in Farringdon, which is like a neighbour station to Kings Cross. I am set on getting a bike. I see quite a few people riding a bike (without helmets as well, and yes, alongside those red double decker buses...fearlessly..lols. its not illegal to ride w/out helmet as is the case in Aus). anyways, cycling to Uni and to work will save me so much transport money.

Its a bit past noon now. This morning I went to UCL to fix up enrollment and housing. But the relevant office was closed from 10.30 to 2pm. Grrrr!! So Im going to linger around Kings Cross till 2 and then cross to Euston Square where UCL is. Kenny and Corie is making me jealous...they are at Oxford Circus having Indian fare for lunch whilst Im doing all these errands >.< including setting up a bank account with HSBC...apparently it takes at least 7 working days to set up an account..nOooo I need cash flow. So I think Ill meet up with them in the afternoon. Hope everything gets sorted now.

Im going to head to Kings Cross St and check out train prices. Im thinking of going to Edinburgh this weekend and visiting the castles. It will all depend on the train costs though. If I dont go before Uni starts, I doubt I will go this upcoming year, because the weather will be horrid. Edinburgh will be soo cold in December and as for my Easter break and June break next year, I want to cross to the European continent.

Alrighty, thats it!
Love you all